Jewellery stolen from online marketplace seller in Langley Mill

We’re appealing for information after reports of jewellery being stolen during online marketplace sales.

The latest incident happened on Bailey Brook Drive at Langley Mill around 6.40pm on Wednesday 12 October.

A woman had agreed to meet a man who had agreed to buy a gold chain she had placed for sale on an online marketplace, but instead of paying he allegedly snatched the jewellery from her and ran off.

The man is described as being white, with short brown hair and a beard. He had been wearing a black tracksuit.

There have been two other similar incidents reported, and officers are considering the possibility they may be linked.

They also have taken place in same area and jewellery has been stolen on both occasions. They took place around 1pm on Monday 26 September and 8.40pm on Tuesday 4 October.

Officers would like to hear from any witnesses, or anyone in the area who may have dashcam or CCTV footage which could help with their enquiries.

If you can help, please contact us on the details below, quoting reference 22000596427

• Facebook – send us a private message to our Facebook page
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Website – We have several crime reporting tools on our website or use our online contact form
• Phone – call us on 101

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website

We’re also taking the opportunity to remind people of advice to follow if you are selling or buying items through social media:

• If you’re meeting to exchange items take a friend or relative and arrange to meet in a busy public place.
• Avoid giving too many personal details in your advert such as your address, email, or phone number.
• If a buyer becomes pushy, aggressive or makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to block them and report them to Facebook.
• Always check your account or third-party payment facility to ensure a payment has been cleared before handing over or posting items
• Do not use links or websites supplied by the buyer to check for payment, as these can be made to look genuine. Log in through your own trusted site on your own device.
• If something doesn’t feel right about any transaction, trust your instincts and cancel it.

If you think you have been a victim of fraud you should report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre by calling 0300 123 20 40 or online by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Action Fraud helps to build a national picture and help prevent others falling victim to scams.